When is it necessary for an EMD to dispatch police along with EMS?

Dispatching police along with EMS is necessary primarily when the situation involves potential violence or crime. In such circumstances, the safety of both the personnel responding to the call and the individuals involved is paramount. When there is a likelihood of violence, the presence of law enforcement can help secure the scene, allowing EMS providers to effectively and safely perform their duties. This ensures that the medical team can focus on providing care without the added concern of possible threats.

While a caller’s request for police intervention is important and may warrant dispatching law enforcement, it is not the sole factor in determining whether police should be sent. Calls from high-risk areas or situations where the EMS team may feel overwhelmed are also significant, but the primary deciding factor should always revolve around the safety of the responders and the nature of the emergency itself. Thus, involving police in potentially violent or criminal situations is a crucial and standard protocol in emergency medical dispatching.